Caramelized Onions and Peppers Macaroni and Cheese – Recipe!

If there’s one thing I know how to make, it’s comfort food.  Macaroni and cheese has always been a part of my families mealtime regime, whether it’s for holiday gatherings, or served warm tableside for a weeknight meal.  My mother always prepared a baked macaroni and cheese with layered elbow noodles, sharp shredded cheeses and dotted with butter, before cream was poured over top.  Nowadays, I usually make mine on the stove top because I prefer the creamier consistency, and in this recipe – I added sauteed onions and peppers for another boost of flavor and incredible savory taste.

Sauteing onions and peppers in a pan to highlight their natural sugars is the first step in this macaroni and cheese recipe.  After they are cooled, I stirred them into a roux (mixture of butter and flour) before adding milk, a splash of cream and freshly shredded white cheddar cheese.  The combination of cheesy pasta with bits of onions and peppers flecked throughout the dish will satisfy those just-like-mom makes cravings, and remind you of a warm Italian sandwich, minus the meat.

Ingredients

1 large red bell pepper, sliced thinly

1 large white onion, sliced thinly

12 ounces elbow macaroni

4 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups of low-fat milk

1/3 cup cream

2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

salt and pepper

olive oil for cooking

(Serves 6)

To Prepare:

1. In a large skillet, add 2 teaspoons olive oil, peppers and onions.  Place over medium heat and stir.  Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, stir.  Cook for 4 minutes, until softened and lightly caramelized.  Remove from heat and place in bowl to cool.
2. Boil macaroni in salted water, drain.  Set aside.
3. Add butter to a large saucepan and place over medium heat.  After mostly melted, sprinkle flour over top, whisk.  Continue to cook mixture for 1 minute to create a roux.
4. Add milk and cream, stir.  Continue to cook for 2 minutes before adding cheese.  Stir until thickened, about 1 minute and add cooked macaroni, stir to combine.  Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, more if necessary.  Turn off heat, and stir to combine.
5. Pour into serving dish and top with parmesan cheese.  Serve or keep warm in low oven until ready to eat.  Enjoy!